…praises anti-graft agency’s resilience, call for stronger legislative support
The Nigerian Senate has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for ecuring 4,111 convictions in 2024.
The upper legislative body said the performance represents the highest annual figure since the anticrime agency was established.
The commendation came following the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for Its Significant Gains Made in Recent Times, Particularly in 2024, Despite the Challenges It Has Encountered.”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende Memga (Benue North-East) during plenary on Tuesday.
Presenting the motion, Senator Udende described the EFCC as a “frontline agency mandated to combat economic and financial crimes in Nigeria,” with powers to investigate, prevent, and prosecute offenders involved in money laundering, cybercrimes, advance fee fraud, and other related offences.
He noted that the Commission has played a crucial role in promoting accountability, transparency, and integrity across the public and private sectors, thereby safeguarding the country’s financial system.
According to data presented to the Senate, the EFCC in 2024 received 15,724 petitions, opened and investigated 12,000 cases, and filed 5,081 cases in court.
Despite operational and resource limitations, the Commission recorded 4,111 convictions, marking the highest number in any operational year since its inception.
Senator Udende said, “The EFCC has remained steadfast and professional in the discharge of its statutory mandate despite threats to its personnel and the increasing sophistication of financial crimes. The Commission’s resilience is commendable.”
He further disclosed that the EFCC’s efforts in 2024 led to significant monetary recoveries and asset forfeitures that comprised of
173 automobiles, 378 electronic devices, 1 hotel, 2 gold Cuban chains, 14 landed properties, 784 estates, and Unspecified quantities of petroleum products.
Seconding the motion, Senator Nwaebonyi Onyeka (Ebonyi East) described the EFCC’s effort as “unprecedented,” commending the Commission’s diligence in recovering the nation’s stolen wealth.
He emphasized the need for the relevant committees of the National Assembly to strengthen legislative oversight and provide continuous institutional support to the Commission.
Ruling on the motion, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the EFCC for its dedication and attributed the agency’s recent successes to what he described as “the right choice in the appointment of the Commission’s leadership” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akpabio also urged the EFCC to publish the total number of genuine convictions as well as petitions found to be frivolous or politically motivated, as a way of deepening public trust and enhancing the integrity of its anti-corruption drive.
“Transparency in outcomes will further strengthen the EFCC’s credibility and sustain public confidence in the fight against corruption,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President further saluted the integrity and professionalism of EFCC staff, pledging the continued legislative support of the National Assembly to the Commission and other anti-corruption agencies in the country.
Monetary recoveries included ₦9,477,977,318.78, $2,605,858.30, £1,600.13, and various digital currencies such as 13.37 BTC (worth $572,992.86), 5.97886094 Ethereum ($13,353.06), 298.4770071 Green Satoshi Tokens ($6), 1,002.547631 USDT ($1,002.22), and an additional 2,699,233 USDT (TRC-20).
The Senate observed that these results have significantly enhanced Nigeria’s global image and public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption drive.
The Lawmakers also acknowledged the sacrifices of EFCC officers who, despite operating under difficult conditions and personal risks, continue to pursue justice and protect the nation’s economic well-being.
The upper chamber therefore resolved to commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its dedication, professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and remarkable achievements in the fight against financial crimes.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting anti-graft institutions in their pursuit of integrity, national development, and financial accountability.
